Contract research organisations
Scotland has a long tradition of pioneering the development and assessment of new drugs and therapies, making it an ideal base for leading-edge contract research organisations (CROs).
Scotland has hosted CROs for decades and has a well-established infrastructure which has benefited from high levels of investment. Companies which have a base here include:
- Quintiles Transnational
- Aptuit
- Charles River Laboratories
- PPD Development
- Kendle
Scotland’s strengths in contract research organisations
Scotland is one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting locations for CROs. Its key strengths include:
- 65 CRO and specialist support organisations in Scotland
- 4000 employees
- World-class university research departments
- Strong collaboration with both the National Health Service and private sector
Working in contract research organisations in Scotland
Significant employment opportunities exist in the CRO sector. A wide range of specialist and support posts are available from scientists and research associates through to regulatory support officers. Many companies recruit widely and have international workforces.
In addition to international CROs located in Scotland there are several Scottish companies doing outstanding work in this area. These include:
- Scottish Biomedical
- CXR Biosciences
- ClinTec International
Find more about Scotland's life sciences companies
View the latest job opportunities in life sciences in Scotland
Education and research in CROs
Clinicians have developed strong and long standing clinical and biomedical expertise which is supported by university research. For example, the University of Dundee has been voted the best European scientific institution to work in and exceeds Cambridge and Oxford Universities in life science citations.
Find more about Scotland's life sciences academic and research institutes